Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) & (CIP)

Brain disease or chemical imbalances of the brain, sometimes referred to as mental illness, are the number one disability in America. It affects one out of four families. Given that fact, it comes as no surprise that 60% of most mental health consumers report having contacts with law enforcement. Today, law enforcement’s most efficient tool at achieving this mission is through the use of the "Memphis Model" of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) approach.

Crisis Intervention Team training is a community initiative designed to improve the outcomes of police interactions with people living with mental illnesses. CIT programs are local partnerships between law enforcement, mental health providers, local NAMI chapters and other community stakeholders. CIT programs provide 40 hours of training for law enforcement on how to better respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis. CIT is not just a training. Effective CIT programs are based on strong relationships between law enforcement, mental health care providers, families and people living with mental illness. CIT is a long-lasting, evolving partnership based on mutual goals.

Crisis Intervention Partners (CIP) training is a 16 hour training modeled after the training component of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs. CIP is designed for wide-ranging audiences interested in better understanding and improving interactions with people who experience mental health crises. Participants include correctional officers, 911 dispatchers, emergency personnel, hospital staff, teachers, social workers, and more.

The Door County Sheriff’s Office began implementation of CIP in the corrections division in 2010. It then expanded to the patrol division in 2015. The CIT/CIP approach is a community effort enjoining both law enforcement officers and the community together for common goals of safety, understanding and service to the mentally ill and their families. Seeing the value of this training, the Door County Sheriff’s Office has committed to train all Deputies within the Sheriff’s Office.  For more information go to the NAMI of Wisconsin website (link is external https://namiwisconsin.org/) and click on CIT/CIP tab.